A Roadmap for ELCA Congregations: Understanding Bylaws & Continuing Resolutions
Church governance is about more than just structure—it’s about faithfulness in how we live out our mission together. To help congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod navigate the complexities of constitutions, bylaws, and continuing resolutions, Pastor David Brandfass of Christ Lutheran in Sedona, with support from Pastor Dan Potaznick, our Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, has created a practical and insightful guide. A Spanish version of this document will be available in summer of 2025.
This new resource, now available on our website at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, clarifies the distinct but interconnected roles of bylaws and continuing resolutions (CRs) in congregational governance. While bylaws provide structural and procedural frameworks—such as defining officer roles and membership requirements—continuing resolutions offer flexible guidance for day-to-day operations and ministry practices.
Key takeaways from the document include:
Bylaws require a congregational vote for adoption and amendments, ensuring structured governance.
Continuing Resolutions (CRs) allow for adaptable operational guidelines, with easier amendment processes through the Congregation Council.
The ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations (MCC) serves as the foundation for governance, ensuring alignment with broader church polity.
Best practices recommend regularly reviewing these governing documents and reporting updates to the synod.
For congregations without established bylaws, the guide outlines foundational areas to address, including membership criteria, financial oversight, committee structures, and endowment fund management.
We are deeply grateful to Pastor Brandfass and Pastor Potaznick for their work in equipping our congregations with this essential tool. We encourage church leaders and councils to explore this resource and ensure that their governing documents reflect both their ministry needs and the broader ELCA framework.
For further details, visit www.gcsynod.org/congregations, where you can also find a link to the 2022 Model Constitution for Congregations from the ELCA.
